Hydrographic Institute Service Member Participates in Internship at the University of A Coruña under the PlasticTrace Project

From May 5 to 16, Warrant Officer Matilde São Pedro, from the Hydrographic Institute (IH), took part in an internship at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of A Coruña, joining the Applied Analytical Chemistry research group as part of the PlasticTrace project.

This internship focused on the analysis of samples for microplastic identification and on the validation of laboratory techniques, contributing to the advancement of methods for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in marine environments.

Throughout the internship, theoretical knowledge was applied in a practical context, which allowed not only the improvement of technical skills but also the enhancement of analytical processes. Exposure to various laboratory instruments — some of which are similar to those used at IH — enabled direct and productive comparisons, contributing to the optimization of work methods and the achievement of more efficient and reliable results.

This international collaboration strengthens the Hydrographic Institute’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in critical areas such as the study of microplastics for the preservation of the marine environment.